Civil War

03.29.11

Muammar Gaddafi Defends Sirte Against Libyan Rebels

Aris Messinis, AFP / Getty Images

Muammar Gaddafi’s forces have so far held on to his hometown of Sirte in what Der Spiegel is calling the fiercest battle yet of the rebels’ recent offensive. It’s the first real fight Gaddafi has put up since rebels began advancing westward on Friday, capturing key oil towns along the way. The battle is taking place 100 kilometers east of the city; rebels say they are hampered by low and outdated munitions.